IN his New Year’s Message, Cllr Frank Letch MBE, the Mayor of Crediton has looked back on 2020 and looks forward with optimism of better times to come.

Mr Letch said: "There is no doubt that we have come to the end of a year like no other!

"Nobody would have guessed on January 1, 2020 that by the end of March our lives would be turned on their heads.

"And yet the coronavirus has also given the opportunity to show Crediton at its best.

"Many volunteers have rallied round to support the shielded and isolated, going shopping, collecting prescriptions and making sure that people are safe.

"Despite all the hardships our high street shops stayed open most of the time, by following government guidelines and keeping us all safe once we were inside.

"Despite all the restrictions the town square has been a centre point of distanced community entertainment. The picnic tables were a great success and it is pleasing to see them back out on the square.

"I am sure that we are all looking forward to a New Year that will be, hopefully, less restrictive and allow us eventually to get some way back to normal life.

"It is with this hope that I wish all Kirtonian’s a Happy New Year."